Cheap flights to Dublin
A large city in a small country, Dublin has a big heart and welcomes visitors and residents from across the globe. The original Celtic settlers were overthrown by the Vikings in the 9th century. They then ruled until England's King Henry II expelled them in the 12th century. Since then, Dublin has been at the heart of Ireland's turbulent history. It saw rapid growth in the 17th and 18th centuries, a period when much of the fine Georgian architecture seen today was built.
For centuries, Ireland fought to gain its independence from British rule, achieving this finally in 1922 helped by the Easter Rising of 1916. This focused around the General Post Office, a landmark building on O'Connell Street, one of Dublin's main thoroughfares. The history of this troubled time can be explored in the Post Office Museum. Running through Dublin is the River Liffey. To the north are O'Connell Street and the main shopping areas while much of the city's heritage including Dublin Castle, Christ Church, St Patrick's Cathedral and more can be found to the south.
Things to do in Dublin
Today, the attractions of Dublin celebrate its heritage in many ways from the beautiful Book of Kells in Trinity College to the history of Ireland's favourite drink in the Guinness Storehouse. There are numerous museums, gracious churches, atmospheric former prisons and a world-famous zoo. Dotted among these are charming parks and gardens.
Guinness Storehouse: Ireland's most popular tourist attraction is housed in a converted grain storehouse. Your journey takes you up through seven floors dedicated to Guinness. Its history, its brewing and its iconic marketing are all explored. On the top floor enjoy a glass of Guinness and panoramic city views.
EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum: Interactively high-tech but poignant, this museum explores emigration and its effect on Ireland. Over the last couple of centuries, around 70 million people have left the country to settle elsewhere, often escaping famine, unemployment and persecution. Collect a passport to follow their stories.
Old Library & Book of Kells: The greatest treasure of Trinity College and Ireland is the magnificent illuminated manuscript, the Book of Kells. Created by monks on the Island of Iona around 1200 years ago it is now housed in the 18th-century Old Library. Also in the Old Library is the Proclamation of the Irish Republic dating from 1916 and the harp of Brian Ború. It actually post-dates his life, but is still the oldest harp in Ireland.
Events in Dublin
Entertainment from Irish jigs in pubs and food fairs to theatre and concerts is a daily occurrence in Dublin, but visits become even more memorable when they coincide with an annual event. These include film, literature and theatre festivals, celebrations of craft brewing, an annual Dracula fest and, of course, St Patrick's Day.
St Patrick's Festival: Celebrated around 17th March, St Patrick's Day sees the country's patron saint honoured. For four days, parades fill the streets and green is the colour seen everywhere. The best place to watch the main parade of floats, dancing, music and weird and wonderful costumes is in Parnell Square.
Dublin Fringe Festival: For two weeks every September, hundreds of performers in over 100 events take to the famous Spiegeltent to showcase fringe theatre in the city. It started as a way of spotlighting Dublin theatre that was a little too way out for the mainstream Theatre Festival in October. The Fringe Festival has become just as popular.
International Literature Festival Dublin: Dublin is a city of literary giants and the birthplace or home of greats such as James Joyce, Edna O'Brien, Colm Tóibín and Patrick Pearse. Their lives and work along with the work of many others are celebrated for ten days in mid-May. Irish and international writers give readings, performances and talks.
Practical information about Dublin
Like most cities, Dublin can be enjoyed at any time of the year but go prepared for unpredictability and rain. Days are generally warm and sunny from the end of May to September while November to February is the coldest period. The local currency is the euro (€) and ATMs and currency exchange offices are widely available. Tipping is only expected for good service and is usually 10% in restaurants and taxis. English is the official language although street and official signs are signposted in both English and Gaelic. Gaelic is rarely heard in Dublin.
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Where to stay in Dublin
There's no set answer to the question of where to stay in Dublin since the city is filled with sights and attractions that range from the historic to the downright unusual. The Irish capital lies at the mouth of the River Liffey. The river itself effectively divides the city in two and there are plenty of welcoming hotels, as well as, five-star residences to be found both north and south of the river.
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Departure airports from Canada to Dublin
From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Dublin.
Flights to Dublin
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